UPDATE WITH MORE DETAILS, DEATH TOLL; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK
By Aysu Bicer and Beyza Binnur Donmez
LONDON/GENEVA (AA) — Amid escalating tensions in France’s overseas territory of New Caledonia, a second gendarme was tragically killed in what officials described as an "accidental gunshot" during ongoing riots on Thursday.
The unrest has gripped New Caledonia for four days, prompting France to declare a state of emergency.
The fatal incident on Thursday was not the result of a deliberate attack on gendarmes, local newspapers reported, citing Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who added that the death toll has risen to five, with numerous injuries sustained over four days of intense clashes.
Hundreds have been arrested on the Pacific island of New Caledonia after deadly unrest erupted over a bill that would allow French nationals to vote in provincial elections, an official said on Thursday.
The territory's top French official, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc, told a press conference that 200 people have been arrested and 64 gendarmes and police officers have been injured in the unrest.
Le Franc said gendarmerie forces faced roughly 5,000 protesters on the island, including 3,000-4,000 in the capital, Noumea.
In response to the deaths of four people on the third night of protests, as well as the torching of vehicles and looting of businesses, France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, which went into effect at 5 a.m. local time (1800GMT), giving authorities additional authority to ban gatherings and curb movement.
Police reinforcements have been sent to the island, with 500 officers added to the usual 1,800.
The unrest was sparked by a constitutional review initiated by Interior Minister Darmanin in New Caledonia.
If the changes are adopted, French nationals who have lived on the island for at least 10 years will be eligible to vote in local elections.
However, locals are concerned that such changes will dilute the indigenous population's vote, Le Franc stated in a televised press conference.